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Polish Apple Poppy Seed Cake Recipe [Makowiec Japoński]

Name: Polish Apple Poppy Seed Cake Recipe (Makowiec Japoński)
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: Polish
Ingredients: 3 cups of poppy seed; 3 cups of milk or water; 2 cups of sugar; 21 oz (600g) of apples; 8 tbsps of semolina; 2 sticks (220g) of butter; 8 eggs; 1 tbsp of baking powder; 1-2 cups of diced dried nuts and fruits; 1 package of vanilla wafers (optionally); crushed nuts and shredded coconuts to decorate; chocolate frosting

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Makowiec Japoński, Makocz, or Brudas is a Polish apple and poppy seed cake that’s easy to make at home. Made with apples, it’s also called Makowiec z jabłkami!

What Is Makowiec Japoński?

Makowiec Japonski is what one would call a thrown-together version of the makowiec roll. While the makowiec roll requires time and patience, and a bit of expertise, the makowiec japonski is easier to put together and bake.

Why is it called Japanese poppy seed cake? We have no idea! This cake was an invention of the times of the Polish People’s Republic and used semolina because flour was scarce.

When you’re craving a poppy seed cake, but don’t have the time to make one, or when you’re looking to add a different flavor to the poppy seed cake, the Polish apple and poppy seed cake is a perfect choice!

It includes all the ingredients used in the poppy seed roll, plus grated apples, and is then topped with a sumptuous layer of chocolate frosting and crushed nuts.

Rich and filling, this heavenly dessert makes the best use of Polish apples. It’s perfect for Christmas or Easter dessert!

Makowiec japonski cake on a plate. — Makowiec japonski cake is made with poppy seeds and apples

How To Make Polish Apple Poppy Seed Cake

If you enjoy making the famous Polish poppy seed roll, you’ll find this Polish apple and poppy seed cake is much easier to make and moist.

Step I – Prepare The Poppy Seed Mixture

Rinse the poppy seeds and cover them with milk or water. Cook the poppy seeds for 30 minutes, then drain them and grind well.

Step II – Bake the Brudas or Makowiec Japoński

Line a cake pan with baking paper and preheat the oven to 356°F (180°C).

Peel and grate apples.

Separate the egg whites from the egg yolks. Beat the egg yolks with sugar and butter till it turns whitish in color.

Next add the semolina, baking powder, poppy seeds, and grated apples and mix. At this time, you can also add dried fruit and nuts if you want to.

Beat the egg whites and add them to the dough spoon by spoon. Pour half of the dough into the cake pan and cover it with vanilla wafers before adding the rest of the cake dough. Bake the cake for about an hour.

Add the beaten egg whites to the dough spoon by spoon. — Add the beaten egg whites to the dough spoon by spoon

Step III – Decorate the Polish Apple And Poppy Seed Cake

Cover the makocz or brudas with chocolate frosting. You can use store-bought or make it at home just like we do for the wuzetka cake. Finally, decorate the cake with shredded coconut or crushed nuts.

Cake covered with chopped nuts. — Decorate the cake with chopped nuts! Use any design you like!

Polish Apple Poppy Seed Cake Recipe [Makowiec Japoński]. — Polish Apple Poppy Seed Cake Recipe [Makowiec Japoński] is moist and delicious!

Tips For Making Polish Apple Poppy Seed Cake

Use any broken nuts of your choice!
You can use chocolate ganache in place of topping.
Grate the apples using a coarse grater, not too fine!
Sprinkle the grated apples with lemon juice to keep them fresh longer.
You can save time by using store-bought poppy seed filling or masa makowiec.
You can easily buy vanilla wafers online.
You can use peanut butter instead of vanilla wafers.
Serve cold with hot milk!

FAQs About Makowiec Japoński Made With Apples And Poppy Seeds

What Are The Other Names For The Polish Poppy Seed and Apple Cake?

The other names for this cake are:

makocz
brudas (the dirty/unclean one)
makowiec japoński (Japanese-style Polish poppy seed cake)

What Other Polish Desserts Can We Make With Poppy Seeds?

Other Polish desserts made with poppy seeds are:

What Other Polish Desserts Can We Make With Apples?

Other Polish desserts made with apples are:

What Other Toppings Can I Use For Brudas Cake?

Apart from the chocolate frosting or dried fruit, you can top the brudas cake with any of the following:

Icing Sugar
Honey
Candied Peel
Glazed cherries
Chopped Nuts
Raisins soaked in syrup or liquor
Coconut Flakes

How To Store The Polish Apple Poppy Seed Cake?

Store the Polish poppy seed and apple cake in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days. Serve cold with warm milk or kompot!

Polish Apple Poppy Seed Cake Recipe [Makowiec Japoński]

Yield: 24 servings

Polish Apple Poppy Seed Cake Recipe (Makowiec Japoński)

Makowiec Japoński, Makocz or Brudas is a Polish apple and poppy seed cake that's easy to make at home. Made with apples, it's also called Makowiec z jabłkami!

Prep Time 40 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes

Ingredients

3 cups of poppy seed
3 cups of milk or water
2 cups of sugar
21 oz (600g) of apples
8 tbsps of semolina
2 sticks (220g) of butter
8 eggs
1 tbsp of baking powder
1-2 cups of diced dried nuts and fruits
1 package of vanilla wafers (optionally)
crushed nuts and shredded coconuts to decorate
chocolate frosting

Instructions

Rinse and drain the poppy seeds.
Cover the poppy seeds with milk or water and cook for 30 minutes.
Drain the poppy seeds; then grind them once or twice.
Preheat the oven to 356°F (180°C).
Oil the 9x13" cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
Peel and grate apples.
Separate egg whites from egg yolks.
Beat butter with sugar and egg yolks until they change color to whitish.
Add poppy seed, semolina, baking powder, grated apples, dried nuts and fruits (optionally), and mix.
Using a spoon, carefully add beaten egg whites to the dough. Stir in one direction, very slowly.
Place half of the dough in the cake pan.
Cover with vanilla wafers.
Place the remaining dough on top. If you are not adding vanilla wafers, simply pour the entire dough onto the cake pan.
Bake for 1 hour.
Pour chocolate frosting on top (you may make it at home, using this recipe) and decorate with shredded coconut and crushed nuts.